Malignant narcissism is a term that describes a specific cluster of behaviors often associated with narcissistic personality disorder. But what is a malignant narcissist, and how can they get help for this condition? To learn more about treatment for narcissistic personality disorder, call Promises at 844.875.5609 to speak to the experts and get help.
What Is Malignant Narcissism?
To answer the question, “What is malignant narcissism?” it’s important to recognize that malignant narcissism is not a specific psychiatric diagnosis. Instead, it’s a term used to describe a pattern of behaviors that are often associated with some people with narcissistic personality disorder, which is a specific diagnosis.
The first step in understanding malignant narcissism is understanding this diagnosis and how it affects people’s lives.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Narcissistic personality disorder, or NPD, is a serious mental health condition. It is associated with several key beliefs, behaviors, and perceptions. The core elements of NPD include:
- An aggrandized sense of self
- Feeling like you deserve praise or special privileges
- Feeling superior to others
- A preoccupation with power, luxury, or grandeur
- Arrogance
- Reduced empathy for others
People with NPD aren’t bad people, but because of their beliefs and needs, they can engage in patterns of behavior that harm others.
Malignant Narcissism
You may ask yourself, “What is a malignant narcissist”? Malignant narcissism describes people with NPD who are abrasive, abusive, or harmful to others as a result of their personality disorder.
People with NPD often feel as though they deserve special treatment, constant admiration, or recognition for their accomplishments. In fact, this is true even if they don’t have any accomplishments. Furthermore, they often believe they are better than others, even the people closest to them.
In malignant narcissism, these beliefs can often become hostile or violent. People with malignant narcissism force their sense of superiority onto others, lash out when people don’t give them special treatment, or react with violence to any perceived slight or criticism.
This behavior can devastate relationships, interfere with work or academic responsibilities, and often result in them running into trouble with the law.
How to Deal with a Malignant Narcissist
Learning how to deal with a malignant narcissist takes time, effort, and dedication. If you love a person with malignant narcissism, it is always advised that you seek outside help and support for your situation, as the emotional and mental toll is often too much for an individual to deal with on their own.
Here are a few things you can do to restore your own mental health and energy if you’re living with or dealing with a malignant narcissist:
- Take time for self-care, such as meditation, exercise, or time away
- Remember that it’s not your fault – malignant narcissists lash out because of their insecurities, not faults within you
- Find a support group – they exist across the country for people who are dealing with malignant narcissists
- Reach out for professional help. In fact, speaking with a therapist or mental health treatment center can help you overcome the challenges you face.
Following these steps can get you back to feeling your best and out of the pull of the malignant narcissist in your life.
Get Treatment for Narcissistic Personality Disorder at Promises Today
If you or a loved one is dealing with a narcissistic personality disorder, the team at Promises has the tools and experience required to help.
While NPD has historically been thought of as a lifelong condition, some specialized therapies and treatments can help reduce your negative symptoms, help you regain control of your life, and stop you from hurting others.
Call 844.875.5609 to learn more about the narcissistic personality disorder treatment options available at Promises today.